The 22-year-old's rawness was clear for all to see in his appearances for the Black Cats last season.

But Roy Keane admitted: "We've thrown Roy in at the deep end - he didn't have the benefits of a season in English football before coming into the Premier League like Shane Long and Kevin Doyle did at Reading.

"But he'll be a better player next season for the experience."

O'Donovan is hoping that he is allowed to bring that experience to bear at the Stadium of Light next season, rather than at Tannadice where Craig Levein is a keen admirer and the idea of a season-long loan has been mooted.

The SPL club made two failed attempts to lure him north last season and Levein has confirmed "We are interested in Roy. He's a player I nearly signed but couldn't because of FIFA's three-club rule."

O'Donovan though who, like his manager, was at Cork's Turner Cross ground at the weekend to watch Cork City's game against Cobh Ramblers, is hoping he will return from Leeside to Wearside.

He said: "As far as I'm concerned, I'm still a Sunderland player and I'm just enjoying my holidays at the moment.

"I know there was a rumour about me going to Dundee United on loan when I first came to Sunderland so maybe that's where the story has come from now.

"Nothing has been said to me about a move so I'm just looking forward to pre-season with Sunderland.

"The manager was here tonight and we didn't discuss anything like that so that's where I stand at the moment.

"As of this moment, I'm a Sunderland player. As far as I'm aware, I'll
still be with the club next season and I'm looking forward to getting back."

Reflecting on his first season at the club he said: "It was difficult.

"I think I improved and got more accustomed to it as time went on but
next season is a big one for me.

"Hopefully I can get off on the right foot and progress nicely."